This was not a good first book to learn SNMP, the basic definitions are poor, leading to confusion. As an example, the definition of a subtype I found in another text (a subset of the value set for a type) was quite clear, then I checked the Simple definition of subtype and found its was useful to "refine the semantics" of a "data object" and that "it may be useful to create a new data type for strings using other repertoires, such as ASCII". The author also notes that the "ASN.1 rules for subtyping are long and complex". (p 34-35). Hello? This book may be useful as a reference after reading other, better written introductions, but avoid it if you are new to SNMP. Also, I recommend that the novice learn ASN.1 first, rather than alsong with SNMP in a combined text. Also, SNMPv2 has yet to catch on, the Simple book focuses primarily on this version, not of much interest if you are working with version 1.

I see some poor reviews because of the book's complexity. Yes, in my distant youth I bought the book thinking the title implied a simple explanation. Of course, no such thing exists, the subject is complex.Dr. Rose delivers an exacting, yes, but in my opinion, entertaining and informative work, well worth reading -- and understanding. After all, folks like Rose, who chairs IETF committees, are scientists, and readers should be prepared for depth.But, beyond the exacting details, Rose provides insightful and amusing, "soapbox" opinions, which are well worth the read in themselves. His chapter on "Networking by Committee" is a worthy read all by itself. Much of the value of this work comes from insight into how engineers at this level of competence and influence think. Rose has insight and depth of field, rare in most technical hierarchies, and fulfills the implied execption to Putt's Law: Technology is dominated by two types of people; those who understand what they do not manage, and those who manage what they do not understand.From technical staff to CTO/CIO managers, this book is a worthy read. I give it five stars.

I have lead the development of multiple SNMP products, and this book helped launch my career. I do not understand the negative comments, but concede that it might not be accessible for casual readers. If you need to actually understand SNMP, you will have to pay some dues and this book is a good gateway. MTR if you read this, thanks for everything.

I read first edition of this book when it came. There were hardly any books available on SNMP at that time . Rose being one of the creators of SNMP, I expected this book to be good. And I was totally wrong! The descriptions are all fuzzy. After reading it, I had some idea about SNMP but I was not sure of anything I learnt. I think the RFCs on SNMP are best reading. They are precise and they do not leave you feeling uncertain.

At first: I'm not a native english reader. I came accross this book in the middle of the 90ties. When I had to jump into the SNMP business from scratch. I looked for an "Introduction" in the real sense of this word. When you have no idea of an RFC, no idea of the hierachy of ITF's, ETF's, IANA, and what 1.3.6.1.1 etc. means, then this books helps you a lot. You need not understand every page of it, but you can catch the basic idea and what is behind SNMP. What can you ask more. And this is perfect for an "introduction". In light of the success of the SNMP-approach, this has to be considered. I have read all the reviews, which are addmittedly over 10 years old and must say: this is definitely not my view. The book helped me a lot and I am thankful for that. Some chapters can be more easily understood than others. But try to read "The Wealth of Nations" from Adam Smith; this is a really complex reading. Marshal T. Rose's text is easy to understand in comparison.Dr. Friedrich Wörndle